Study shows Arizona cities among the least fit in the nation

PHOENIX – If you often find yourself choosing to relax rather than exercising, you aren’t alone.

According to a new study by the American Fitness Index, cities in Arizona rank in the bottom half of the fittest cities in the United States.

Analyzing some of the largest cities in the U.S., the study ranked Tucson (47) as the fittest in Arizona, followed by Glendale (58), Scottsdale (61), Phoenix (72), Chandler (76), Mesa (81), and Gilbert (93).

The study used each city’s personal and community health indicators for the rankings, adding a variety of sub-indicators within each category.

The percentage of people exercising in the last 30 days, eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, as well as those who are obese or in good health contributed to a city’s score for personal health.

The community score was indicated by the acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, the number of farmer’s markets per one million residents and the amount of recreational facilities.

Tucson ranked No. 35 overall for personal health and No. 58 for the community, while Gilbert finished last in the nation for community health.

The growing East Valley suburb did, however, manage to tie Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale for personal health rank at No. 45.

Arlington, Virginia was found to be the fittest city in the nation, followed by Minneapolis, Minnesota and Washington, D.C.